The 2009 Barthenau Vigna S. Michele, the estate’s top Pinot Blanc, is exceptional in this vintage. Pears, white peaches, flowers and subtle spices are woven together beautifully in a textured frame of remarkable beauty. This is a terrific showing from proprietor Martin Foradori. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Hofstatter and proprietor Martin Foradori this year. The entry-level wines, which can be uneven, are delicious, while the top of the line bottlings deliver the goods, and then some. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

The 2008 Pinot Bianco Barthenau Vigna S. Michele is another vivid, textured white from Martin Foradori. All of the elements are woven together nicely as this expansive wine takes shape in the glass. The ripe, almost-tropical fruit is well-balanced by saline notes on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. Proprietor Martin Foradori can be counted on for sleek, elegant wines that capture the essence of some of the greatest terroirs in Alto Adige. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

The 2007 Pinot Bianco Barthenau Vigna S. Michele is an impeccable, beautifully layered white. Crushed rocks, white peaches and flowers all come together in this graceful, elegant Pinot Bianco. A long, refined finish rounds out this terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. This is a beautiful set of new releases from proprietor Martin Foradori Hofstatter. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

Beginning with the 2006 vintage, the Barthenau Vigna San Michele is 100% Pinot Bianco. The wine is made in a rich, honeyed style for this variety, with generous tropical fruit aromas and flavors. Although the wine exhibits plenty of density, it also comes across as somewhat heavy and ponderous. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Once again, I left my tasting of the Hofst?tter line-up feeling that the estate could be more consistent across the board, especially with their entry-level wines. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

The 2005 Barthenau Vigna S. Michele is an oak-aged blend of 70% Pinot Bianco, 25% Chardonnay and 5% Sauvignon and Riesling. Though not especially expressive in its aromatics this full-bodied white does offer plenty of ripe fruit and excellent concentration. Still, there is something lacking in the wine’s delineation and the tannins are not quite as polished as I had hoped. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2012. Proprietor Martin Foradori Hofstatter makes a wide range of wines from his vineyards, which are spread out among several of Alto Adige’s sub-zones. Hofstatter is among the most ardent ambassadors for his region and is capable of talking for hours about his wines and Alto Adige, which he clearly adores. The estate’s top bottlings are all worth seeking out. If there is one criticism to be made, it is that the quality of the entry-level wines could be more consistent. Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799